Day: June 3, 2026

Arts, Culture Essential for Sustainable Urban Development – Nga Kor Ming

IPOH, June 3 -- Sustainable urban development cannot be achieved through physical infrastructure alone, as arts, culture and strong community ties are equally important in shaping cities with a distinct identity and sense of belonging, said Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming. Speaking at the opening of the MADANI Philharmonic Musical Concert 2026: A Tune of Friendship and Unity in Harmony at the RTM Auditorium here on Tuesday night, Nga said the government's commitment to improving public infrastructure, upgrading facilities and providing more affordable housing must be complemented by efforts to nurture social and cultural development. “The progress of a city cannot be measured solely on its physical infrastructure. Without art, culture and human connections, even the most modern city risks losing its soul,” he said. Nga stressed that while Malaysia is capable of constructing world-class buildings and modern urban facilities, true success lies in ensuring residents experience happiness, inclusivity and a strong sense of community. “We are capable of building world-class skyscrapers, but if the residents cannot enjoy happiness and a sense of belonging, then we have not achieved true success,” he added. He noted that arts, cultural activities and community-driven initiatives play a crucial role in transforming cities into vibrant and welcoming spaces where people feel connected and valued. According to Nga, programmes such as the concert serve as important platforms for fostering understanding, compassion and mutual respect among Malaysians from diverse backgrounds. He also highlighted music as a powerful unifying force that transcends differences in language, culture and geography. “Malaysia’s diversity should be viewed as a strength rather than a challenge, as it contributes to the nation’s creativity, resilience and dynamism,” he said. The concert featured performances by the Kinta Valley String Orchestra, the Kuala Lumpur Orchestra and the Feroci Philharmonic Orchestra, bringing together musicians from various backgrounds in a celebration of friendship, harmony and national unity through music. — BERNAMA

IPOH, June 3 — Sustainable urban development cannot be achieved through physical infrastructure alone, as arts, culture and strong community ties are equally important in shaping cities with a distinct identity and sense of belonging, said Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming. Speaking at the opening of the MADANI Philharmonic Musical Concert 2026: […]

Johor BN Dismisses Viral Candidate List Ahead of State Poll

JOHOR BAHRU, June 3 -- Johor Barisan Nasional (BN) yesterday dismissed as fake a purported list of candidates for the upcoming Johor state election that went viral on social media. Johor BN secretary Datuk Abdul Halim Suleiman said the list was fabricated by irresponsible parties attempting to create confusion and spark speculation among party members and supporters. He stressed that the coalition’s top leadership had not yet finalised the process of selecting candidates for all 56 state constituencies. “BN members and supporters should not be influenced by the list being circulated. It is entirely fabricated. Our focus remains on strengthening the party machinery at the grassroots level in preparation for the election,” he said when contacted by Bernama. Abdul Halim also said that any official announcement regarding BN’s candidates for the state election would only be made through the coalition’s official channels at the appropriate time. The list, which surfaced on social media yesterday, purportedly named BN candidates for all 56 state seats, including Machap assemblyman Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi. Earlier, BN chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the list of candidates submitted to him would be finalised after discussions with leaders of the coalition’s component parties. The Johor State Legislative Assembly was dissolved on Sunday, paving the way for the 16th Johor state election, with BN expected to contest all 56 seats. — BERNAMA

JOHOR BAHRU, June 3 — Johor Barisan Nasional (BN) yesterday dismissed as fake a purported list of candidates for the upcoming Johor state election that went viral on social media. Johor BN secretary Datuk Abdul Halim Suleiman said the list was fabricated by irresponsible parties attempting to create confusion and spark speculation among party members […]

Datuk Seri Dr. Ahmad Zahid Calls for Bumiputera Entrepreneurs to Lead in Technology and Strategic Industries at KEUB 2026

KUALA TERENGGANU, June 3 -- Deputy Prime Minister Dato' Seri Dr. Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has called for the Bumiputera economic agenda to advance beyond participation and focus on ownership, technological mastery, and leadership in strategic value chains to remain competitive in a rapidly evolving global economy, yesterday. Speaking at the closing ceremony of the Bumiputera Entrepreneur Economic Convention (KEUB) 2026 in Terengganu on Wednesday, Ahmad Zahid said Bumiputera entrepreneurs must position themselves at the forefront of the digital economy, artificial intelligence (AI), and emerging technologies. He stressed that the future of Bumiputera economic empowerment depends on their ability to become value creators, platform owners, innovation leaders, and key players in sectors that will drive future economic growth. “The world is changing rapidly. Bumiputera entrepreneurs must not only participate in the economy but also lead and shape it through innovation, technology, and strategic ownership,” he said. Ahmad Zahid noted that strengthening the Bumiputera economy requires a comprehensive and coordinated approach involving the government, educational institutions, industry players, government agencies, government-linked companies (GLCs), and entrepreneurs themselves. He said increasingly complex economic challenges demand stronger collaboration across all stakeholders to build an ecosystem that supports sustainable growth and competitiveness. The Deputy Prime Minister expressed hope that KEUB 2026 would serve as a turning point for more decisive and effective implementation of initiatives aimed at empowering Bumiputera entrepreneurs and businesses. He added that the ideas, proposals, and resolutions discussed throughout the convention must be translated into concrete actions capable of creating greater opportunities and enhancing Bumiputera participation and leadership in the nation's strategic sectors. Ahmad Zahid said the success of the Bumiputera economic agenda would depend on collective commitment and sustained efforts to ensure meaningful progress in the years ahead. -- MINUTESMY -- SOURCE : FB ZAHID HAMIDI

KUALA TERENGGANU, June 3 — Deputy Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Dr. Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has called for the Bumiputera economic agenda to advance beyond participation and focus on ownership, technological mastery, and leadership in strategic value chains to remain competitive in a rapidly evolving global economy, yesterday. Speaking at the closing ceremony of the Bumiputera […]

Johor state election: BN candidate list being reviewed – Ahmad Zahid

KUALA TERENGGANU: The list of candidates for the Johor State Election (PRN) has been submitted by Johor Barisan Nasional (BN) Chairman Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi and is currently in the evaluation stage. Deputy Prime Minister and BN Chairman Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the list of candidates that had been submitted to him would be finalised after he held discussions with the leaders of BN component parties. "The candidates are in the evaluation stage, but we must also respect the candidates who come (put forward) from other BN component parties," he said. Ahmad Zahid, who is also the Minister of Rural and Regional Development, said this to reporters after the Closing Ceremony of the Bumiputera Entrepreneurs Economic Convention (KEUB 2026) here today. The UMNO president, who also confirmed that Onn Hafiz would remain the "poster boy" in the state election, said BN was committed to winning more than 40 seats in this state election, surpassing the record achieved in 2022. However, he admitted that no victory can be achieved easily except through hard work, wisdom and an organized machinery. Apart from that, the various initiatives implemented by the Johor State Government under the BN administration for the well-being of the people of Johor are believed to gain the support and confidence of voters in this election. Meanwhile, Ahmad Zahid dismissed negative perceptions about the relationship between BN and Pakatan Harapan (PH) following the decision to contest solo, by emphasizing that the Johor State Government under BN administration was formed before the existence of the Unity Government at the Federal level. "The government in Johor is a BN government, not a Unity Government. The door has been opened by Johor BN for them to contest on a friendly basis in each of the 56 state assembly seats," he said. Yesterday, Onn Hafiz announced the dissolution of the Johor State Assembly after receiving the consent of the Regent Sultan of Johor Tunku Mahkota Ismail to pave the way for the state election. Onn Hafiz previously confirmed that Johor BN would field candidates in all 56 seats in this state election. In the 2022 general election, BN won 40 seats while Pakatan Harapan (12), Perikatan Nasional (3) and MUDA (1). -- BERNAMA

KUALA TERENGGANU: The list of candidates for the Johor State Election (PRN) has been submitted by Johor Barisan Nasional (BN) Chairman Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi and is currently in the evaluation stage. Deputy Prime Minister and BN Chairman Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the list of candidates that had been submitted to him would […]